The Republic of Texas has a vivid past - its ancestors ventured west to settle an uneasy land - from exploration by the Spaniards to war with the Mexican government and its declaration of independence in 1836. Read about these ancestor's stories through hundreds of biographies with photographs of most. A comprehensive index provides easy reference for genealogical research.
The region north of Houston, Texas, is a cultural enclave of communities and sites distinctive in Texas history. Here, significant contributions to the history of the great state of Texas emerged, along with some of its most noted and distinctive personalities, communities, and historical sites. Thoroughly researched and ambitious in scope, The Cradle of Texas Road explores this region of Texas to demonstrate how the Lone Star State has become a model of cultural integration in the United States. Robin and Joy Montgomery trace the evolution of this region beginning with the birth of the province of Texas through Ren Robert Cavelier Sieur de La Salles influence with Spain to the modern pioneers who provide inspiration for Texas and beyond. This historical study shows how regional pride can and should spill over into the rest of the area, thereby providing greater unity to the state itself. Focus is also given to selected communities and historical sites that harbor a significant event or personality. These include the gravesite of Sam Houston; Huntsvilles Andrew Female College; Bedias, home to the original Native Americans; and the Alamo, where William B. Travis drew a line in the sand. Step back into history and discover some of the most dynamic examples of cultural innovation in the United States with The Cradle of Texas Road.
Celeste Graves was born in Magnolia, Texas August 30, 1919. She graduated from high school in 1935 at the age of 15. There were only eight in her graduating class. She left Magnolia for periods of time for college, World War II, and the Korean War. Her husband was a radioman in the U. S. Navy and they lived in various areas of California. They decided they wanted to raise their children in the country, thus the move back to Magnolia. During World War II she was a dispatcher for the Civilian Pilot Training Program for Aviation Enterprises at Municipal Airport. They were awarded the contract to train young ladies to ferry airplanes during the war to relieve male pilots for overseas duty. In June 1952 Celeste began her career as a superintendent's secretary for the Magnolia Independent School District. She worked in that capacity for 34 years, retiring in 1985. Since retiring she has continued to work half-time for the district. She is an active member of the Magnolia Beautification/Historical Committee serving as Secretary/Treasurer for the past ten years.
Also includes other ancestral and related families of the author. Ancestors include: Thomas Martin (1792-1855) of South Carolina and Alabama -- William Madison Haddox (1772-ca. 1848) of Virginia and South Carolina -- Henry Heaton (1812-1858) of Virginia and Arkansas -- John Holland (1824-1908) of Tennessee and Texas.
Winner, Journalistic Achievement Award, Texas Historical Foundation, 2004 From the simplest slab of weathered stone to the most imposing mausoleum, every marker in a Texas cemetery bears witness to a life that—in ways small or large—helped shape the history and culture of the state. Telling the stories of some of these significant lives is the purpose of this book. Within its pages, you'll meet not only the heroes of the Texas Revolution, for example, but also one of the great African American cowboys of the traildriving era (Bose Ikard) and the first woman in Texas elected to statewide office (Annie Webb Blanton). Visiting cemeteries from every era and all regions of the state, Bill Harvey recounts the histories of famous, infamous, and just plain interesting Texans who lie at rest in Texas cemeteries. The book is organized alphabetically by city for easy reference. For each city, Harvey lists one or more cemeteries, giving their location and history, if significant. At the heart of the book are his profiles of the noteworthy people buried in each cemetery. They include not only famous but also lesser-known and even unknown Texans who made important contributions to the state in the arts, sports, business, military service, politics—truly every area of communal life. For those who want to visit these resting places, Harvey also includes tips on finding cemeteries, locating gravesites, and taking good photographs. Spend time with him in the graveyards of Texas, and you'll soon appreciate what fascinating stories the silent stones can tell.
